Nexium

Description

Nexium (generic name: esomeprazole; brand names include: Esomiz / Sompraz / Zoleri / Lucen / Esopral / Axagon / Nexiam) is a type of medicine known as an acid pump inhibitor (also known as a proton pump inhibitor, or PPI) which is used for the treatment of certain conditions caused by too much acid being produced in the stomach.

Since its approval in 2001, Nexium has been prescribed more than 147 million times.

Nexium is prescribed to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease (GERD), which typically include persistent heartburn on 2 or more days per week, despite treatment and change of diet. By reducing acid production in the stomach, Nexium reduces the amount of acid backing up into the esophagus and causing reflux symptoms. But you still have enough acid to take care of digestion.

Nexium is also indicated for the short-term and maintenance treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of erosive esophagitis. This damage may be caused over time from stomach acid wearing away the lining of the esophagus. With Nexium, most erosions heal in 4 to 8 weeks.

Nexium is also used to decrease the chance of getting an ulcer in people who are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

It is also used with other medications to treat and prevent the return of stomach ulcers caused by a certain type of bacteria (H. pylori).

Nexium is also used for long-term treatment of conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome) in which the stomach makes too much acid.

In clinical tests, up to 94% of patients were healed with Nexium.

Recommendations

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Nexium exactly as directed.

Take Nexium at around the same time(s) every day.

Nexium is usually taken once a day at least 1 hour before a meal. When Nexium is used to treat some conditions in which the stomach makes too much acid, it is taken twice a day.

Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. If you cannot swallow the capsule, put 1 tablespoon of cool, soft applesauce in an empty bowl. Open one Nexium capsule and carefully sprinkle the pellets onto the applesauce. Mix the pellets with the applesauce, and swallow the entire tablespoonful of the applesauce and pellet mixture immediately. Do not chew the pellets in the applesauce. Do not save the pellets and applesauce for later use.

The granules and the contents of the capsules can both be given through a feeding tube.

It may take several weeks or longer for you to feel the full benefit of Nexium. Continue to take Nexium even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Nexium without talking to your doctor.

If you forget to take Nexium, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store this medicine at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.

Precautions

Tell your doctor before taking Nexium, if:

you have an allergy to Nexium or other medicines;
you take a medicine called atazanavir;
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.